Waskn Mani is an unusual boy. Unlike his fellow Lakota tribesmen, he takes no pride in hunting animals or making war on neighboring peoples. A gentle soul, he quests for his missing mother and later locks into fierce confrontation with the Fire Thunder, the warlike Lakota leader whose story is bound up with the mysterious disappearance of the boy's mother. Wangerin has woven Lakota legends together to tell an adventure tale of a boy's search for peace and justice. Memorable characters abound--including the tribal elders and the many animals with whom Waskn Mani communicates. The mystical strands of dreams and visions and the heavy use of Lakota language weave a rich tapestry of Native American lore but may slow down reluctant readers--although the lengthy glossary of Lakota word meanings will help. This is a particularly strong addition to historical fiction and Native American fiction and legend collections.